'What We Carry Forward' exhibition unveils the power of women's voices in Derry
Extern’s Freedom Project launches a city-wide showcase of resilience and healing to celebrate International Women’s Day
What we carry forward, a showcase marking the culmination of a city wide creative campaign inviting women and girls across Derry to anonymously share letters reflecting on what they carry from the past and what they hope to carry into the future was launched in St Columb’s Hall.
Hosted by Extern’s Freedom Project, the letters explored deeply personal themes including strength, grief, resilience, healing and hope.
Tessa King, Freedom Project Co ordinator said: “What the exhibition highlights is the power of women’s voices when they are given safe, creative spaces to be heard.
“The letters shared as part of What We Carry Forward speak to pain, resilience and hope, but above all to courage. This showcase was not just an exhibition, it was an act of collective reflection and connection as we approach International Women’s Day.”
The installation encouraged moments of quiet reflection, solidarity and connection within a welcoming, informal drop in space.
A series of postboxes placed across the city in the lead up to the event provided safe and anonymous opportunities for women and girls to participate, ensuring the campaign was inclusive, accessible and community led.
The Freedom Project is funded by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) under the PEACEPLUS Programme (Theme 1.1 Action Plan) and is delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council. The project supports individuals and communities affected by trauma, conflict and adversity through trauma informed practice, creative wellbeing approaches and peer led support.
A core element of the project is The Journey of Hope, a six week programme combining creative arts, reflective practice, holistic therapies and co designed sessions developed alongside participants and community champions.
The What We Carry Forward showcase provided a meaningful opportunity for the public to engage with women’s stories, reflect on shared experiences and collectively mark International Women’s Day through creativity, compassion and community.